New Project to Collect Data for Advocacy Asks: What is Necessary for Recovery?

The U.S. Surgeon General and the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health agree that now, more than ever, there are historic possibilities for consumer recovery. Yet, consumers are not fully benefiting from the increased chances for recovery. Both major national studies agree that for consumers to completely enjoy the possibility for recovery, we must understand the large gap that exists between what is possible for recovery, and the reality of the care environment across the country.

To investigate this gap and harness the possibilities for recovery, NAMI is launching TRIAD - Treatment/Recovery Information and Advocacy Database. TRIAD is a process by which NAMI, in collaboration with other stake-holders, will collect a variety of data that characterizes the gap between the services, supports, and environment we all agree are necessary for recovery and what exists in each state. But TRIAD will not just collect data - it also seeks to inform advocacy efforts with better data to achieve better investment and better services to ultimately close that gap.

In this process of data collection, TRIAD is organized around 12 standards of care that reflect the core services, supports and environmental requirements for a system to promote recovery among adults with serious mental illness. These standards of care directly reflect the Institute of Medicine's landmark study on reforming American healthcare-Crossing the Quality Chasm-when it calls for standards of safe, effective, timely and patient centered care that is equitably and efficiently delivered.

TRIAD Standards of Care

Access to Appropriate Medication

Inpatient Care

ACT Programs

General Medical Care

Integrated Services for Dual Diagnosis

Family Psychoeducation and Support

Peer Provided Services and Supports

Supported Employment Services

Affordable Housing and Supports

Jail Diversion Programs

Non-stigmatizing and Non-discriminating Environment

Current TRIAD efforts include:

reports on the implementation of evidence-based treatments and outcomes for severe mental illnesses in adults;

a systematic assessment of discrimination in legislation and newspaper coverage of mental illness across the 50 states;

a national survey of consumer and family member experiences of evidence-based care and outcomes;

a consumer and family member oriented website with an interactive guide to evidence-based schizophrenia treatment.

To learn more about TRIAD or how you can help, please contact Abigail Graf at abigail@nami.org.